Major blaze at Essex oil refinery

Updated 16.17 Wed Oct 31 2007

Keywords: Essex, fire

Firefighters are battling a major blaze at an oil refinery in Essex.

The Fire Service said they were called to the fire at Petroplus in Coryton at around 11.30am.

"We have reports of flames 100ft high and a major foam attack is in progress" - Fire Service spokesman

"Reports of an explosion are unconfirmed but 17 appliances are on the scene. We have reports of flames 100ft high and a major foam attack is in progress," a spokesman said.

East of England ambulance service said they were alerted by a passer-by.

A spokesman said: "We sent two ambulance crews, one rapid response car and three officers. We are currently working in conjunction with Mobil to conduct a head count.

"The latest reports say there are no casualties as of yet."